Help Me Memorialize My Dad's Photographic Legacy

Tyler Curtis is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Adam Bravin.

Donation protected

NOTE: Adam Bravin is handling the donation allocation and transfer for me as I await my new physical copy of my Driver's License.

UPDATE: Watkins Glen Racetrack recently received a massive grant for digitization of physical media for their acquired collections and will be able to do a lot of the legwork after I curate the collection this week. This has reduced the cost significantly.

That being said, your contributions have already been felt. The Institute of Racing Research is thrilled to acquire the donation of my fathers extensive collection of prints, books and 50+ years of photographs.

I'm seeking support following the loss of my father, Timothy Curtis, who passed on Oct. 17th, 2024, from complications due to Lewy Body Dementia. I'm seeking financial assistance to properly preserve his remarkable photographic legacy with the help of Watkins Glen International Racing Research Institute.

My Pop never asked anyone for anything. He just gave as much as he could - so the ask is from me and me alone. I loved my Dad and his passions and was utterly heartbroken at the idea of having to discard his decades of work. He's probably frowning at me from the Racetrack in the Sky right now as I ask for help. But that was his vibe - give everything, expect nothing. I want to give something back as I never got to buy him that Ferrari I promised him. His kindness was the best gift I could have ever asked for, and I dream to give his passion for racing a permanent place in time.

Immediate Needs:

Expenses for my personal arrangements this week and return trip for spreading of the ashes in Summer 2025 (Travel expenses & lodging $1000.00)

Initial organizing, curation and packing of his art, photography, and books to ship to LA and back Watkins Glen Race Track. $2000.00

Legacy Preservation:

My father devoted 6 decades to documenting international motorsports, creating an extensive archive of Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. While he couldn't afford the fancy cars, he never stopped loving them, especially through his lens. His photographs capture the evolution of racing at this legendary 4-mile circuit - from historic vehicles to modern racing machines, preserving countless moments that tell the story of American and imported racing culture.

My goal is to ensure his collection finds its permanent home at the International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen. To achieve this, I need support for:

Professional packing of delicate photographic materials, books and framed artwork. ($500)
Safe transport from Chicago to California. ($1000)
Travel/ Curation ($1000)
Final transportation to Watkins Glen ($1000)
Return trip for myself to Chicago in Summer 2025 to spread his ashes at Corner 5 of Road America - his favorite place on earth for 70 years. ($1500.00)

Paying It Forward:

Any funds received beyond the costs of arrangements and preservation will be donated in my father's name to the LBDA (fighting Lewy Body Dementia) and Misericordia , supporting their vital work providing continued care for developmentally disabled children and adults. This way, his memory will live on not only through his art but also by helping others in need. My dad selflessly always wanted the best for everyone.

Every contribution, whether helping with immediate arrangements or supporting the preservation of his work, honors my father's memory and ensures his unique perspective on American motorsport history lives on while potentially helping families facing similar challenges.